Ecological Inter-embedding： Logical Construction of Interaction Patterns among Digital Platform Ecosystems

JIAO Hao; LI Wan-rong; WANG Lin-dong

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Journal of Beijing Jiaotong University（Social Sciences Edition） ›› 2025, Vol. 24 ›› Issue (4) : 61-73.

Applied Economics Studies

Ecological Inter-embedding： Logical Construction of Interaction Patterns among Digital Platform Ecosystems

JIAO Hao¹, LI Wan-rong¹, WANG Lin-dong²

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Abstract

As digital platforms have gradually become the core hubs of business activities， interactions among different digital platform ecosystems have become increasingly prevalent. Understanding the complex interactive relationships between platforms in the context of digital economy and facilitating platform firms in formulating differentiated cross-platform collaboration strategies has emerged as a critical research agenda. Drawing on the cross-ecosystem flow of elements in natural ecosystems， we can systematically explore the interaction mechanisms and patterns among digital platform ecosystems. The results reveal the following findings：（1）Interactions among digital platform ecosystems constitute a multidimensional， multilayered complex process. The formation of these interactive mechanisms stems from the interconnectivity characteristics that digital platforms exhibit in data sharing， user migration， and dynamic evolution；（2）Interactions among digital platform ecosystems are classified into two basic types： scale expansion-oriented and function complementarity-oriented. These two interaction types can be achieved either under single-firm dominance or through collaborative cooperation among multiple firms， reflecting the diversity and flexibility of interactions among digital platform ecosystems；（3）Through in-depth analysis of user flow patterns across digital platforms， three typical interaction patterns are identified： cross-platform user flow and diffusion pattern， cross-platform user-complementor role exchange pattern， and the platform periodic interaction-triggered seasonal user migration pattern. Each pattern has its unique participants， operational mechanisms， and implementation paths. Platform firms should formulate differentiated cross-platform collaboration strategies based on predictions of user behavior.

Key words

digital platform ecosystem / interaction patterns / user flow / role transformation / seasonal migration

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JIAO Hao, LI Wan-rong, WANG Lin-dong. Ecological Inter-embedding： Logical Construction of Interaction Patterns among Digital Platform Ecosystems[J]. Journal of Beijing Jiaotong University（Social Sciences Edition）. 2025, 24(4): 61-73

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